December Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Fran S., our December Volunteer of the Month. Her dedication and commitment shine through in all she does, making a meaningful impact across our community and beautifully embodying JFS’s mission to support and strengthen others.
Staff member Alexa shared:
“Fran has gone above and beyond in her enthusiasm and coaching of ACE's involvement in Special Olympics. Fran was a coach for bowling this fall and showed relentless commitment to showing up and ensuring our participants were supported and encouraged. Fran is now coaching our basketball team and brought along two new volunteers to be a part of the fun. Not only does she work with our staff and participants, but she has reached out to Special Olympics directly for extra guidance, supplies, etc., in order to give the athletes the best experience. She has been a cornerstone in our success in Special Olympics, and we are so grateful for all her dedication and hard work!”
Read more about Fran's volunteer impact below:
Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.
FS: I live with my wife Anna in Denver. We have an 18-year-old son, Jeremy, at DU. I am an independent market research and analytics consultant and have worked with many companies, nonprofits, political organizations, and foundations in the Denver metro area and nationally. Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, is important to me and fuels my advocacy for social justice, my service on boards, and my volunteering.
Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?
FS: As an ACE ally, I coach bowling and basketball for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in JFS's day program. We practice weekly and compete in Special Olympics in Colorado. I have also had my senior women's softball club, Colorado Wildfire, pack feminine hygiene products numerous times for Justice Necessary. I am also on the board of JFS and have served on various committees.
Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS?
FS: When I joined the JFS Board in 2023, I wanted to get to know the organization better and volunteer. I heard that some of the ACE clients liked to shoot baskets, so I thought I would rebound for them. Soon after, I started teaching them how to shoot better, and then we began doing some dribbling and passing drills. I recruited some friends to help me, and we started scrimmaging and ultimately played a real game in the Special Olympics!
Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?
FS: The adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at ACE inspire me every week with their determination, pure joy, and teamwork. I love seeing them have fun, learn new skills, push themselves, and build their confidence and self-esteem! The best is when they don't think they can do something, but with a little encouragement, they surprise themselves and do it! Sometimes I am busy or tired and consider skipping practice, but I know if I go, I will be so glad I went and leave with a big smile on my face!
Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share?
FS: I spent my last birthday at basketball practice with the ACEs. We ate cupcakes and wore party hats! They sang me happy birthday and made me cards! We, of course, played some basketball too. A wonderful time was had by all!
Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?
FS: I would encourage people to learn about the 30+ programs JFS offers and explore the countless opportunities to volunteer. There is something for everyone - from working in the food pantry to helping refugee families to visiting a lonely older adult. If your experience is anything like mine, I guarantee you will get a lot more than you give!
Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.